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Lincoln LS

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  • thomas_lthomas_l Member Posts: 134
    Rolling On The Floor Laughing My well you can probably guess the rest :-D
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    Victor:

    Sorry I couldn't resist, and besides thomas_l started it!

    Have never heard of an axle departing from the body of a LS. Unless it hit something that could have torn it out from underneath. There are pretty substantial bolts holding the axle assembly on. Did he say if the shocks were attached to the axle?
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    Here's a link to a Reuters news article about the hydraulic cooling fan problem. It appears that the guilty supplier has not yet made good on replacement parts, but Ford will nontheless restart the assembly line on Thursday, albiet, at a slower rate. Finished cars will not be shipped until replacement parts become available.


    http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/010829/n29280803.html

  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    The interesting Wixom restart article also discusses Ford announcing it won't offer bonuses to 6,000 managers including the big kahuna. Due to financial difficulties. Think that is a good sign Ford isn't doing too well right now. Wonder if they will reduce or stop paying dividend. If they do that,...
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    First, re Ford: I've seen an article recently says that Ford's $$$ troubles are going to cause a delay in launch of a number of new vehicles. Don't know the particulars.

    Second is a serious question about this axle falling off story. I can not tell for sure whether this story is real or fiction. Airwolf - could you please clarify this?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    But Ford isn't alone. Remember seeing something recently about General Motor's and Ford's troubles. GM starting to quietly give serious consideration to dropping Buick later this decade. Buick market share not much higher than Oldsmobile. GM would rely on Chevy, Pontiac, Saturn (which is getting an SUV), and Cadillac. But Ford might also be quietly planning on eventually dropping Mercury. Cougar flopped; couldn't attract needed new demographics. If new '02 Mountaineer and '03 Marauder don't lead to big sales increases & better demographics, hard for Ford to justify Mercury in its stable, esp. as Jag and Volvo have moved solidly into lower price ranges.
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    Hey, I resemble that remark! But even I got ROFLMA0 right away, didn't even have to RTFOM. :)

    Maybe the guy could only afford half of his new low-rider kit till next payday.
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    Not to worry, Ford's got the dividend covered. Article also mentions other auto makers are more worse off . . . namely DaimlerChrysler. Ford's dividend is highest amongst domestic auto makers.


    http://public.wsj.com/sn/y/SB998517567345613348.html

  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    From what I have read the faulty hydraulic fans are built in Mexico with some sub parts that come from Japan, the supplier's identity is not known. Japan and Mexico do a large business together. It does represent a problem for the American Lincoln and Ford Thunderbird. Ford representative Ed Lewis states "we have a supply of good hydraulic cooling system fans but we want to test them first," it appears that someone has seen the light and will test before placing any of these fans in any vehicle that is on the final assembly line.
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    The LS doesn't have a rear axle per se, isn't that correct? Isn't the independent suspension mounted "around" the drive shafts? And aren't they turned be CV joints at the diff and the wheel assemblies, like a FWD platform? IINM, the diff is mounted to the body. For what he saw to happen, wouldn't the CV joints, or "A" arms have had to fail and allow the wheels to move rearward?
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    The real cause of the T-Bird fire had nothing to do with the fan module or cooling. It was Ford trying to save $.38 per car. Full story at Blue Oval News
  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    Article on Lincoln's sponsorship of the US Open:


    http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9372

  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    Press release from Motorola on new comm system for LS:


    Motorola and Lincoln Create Next-Generation Telematics Systems For 2002 Lincoln Drivers


    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010829/cgw010.html

  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    I had the opportunity to sit in a Nissan Skyline(to be badged the G35 in US) 2 weeks ago in Tokyo. Nissan has a showroom in the Ginza and had 2 cars on display one of which will be called the Infiniti G35 here in the US.

    Of course there is no such thing as an Infiniti, or Lexus for that matter, in Japan. Those brands are creations of US marketing wizards. The same cars are available in Japan but are badged what they truly are, Toyotas and Nissans. Its interesting to see a Lexus LS430 cruising down the street covered with Toyota logos.

    The Nissan Skyline, I mean Infiniti G35, is about the size of an Accord or Camry (a little smaller than a Maxima) and of similar build quality/construction.
  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    While in Tokyo I saw 2 Lincoln LS'. They differ from the US versions very slightly, different wheels than are available here, slightly different tail lights, a Nav system in the center stack and right hand drive of course.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    You mean you didn't get a pair of tailight lenses while you were there?
  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    I would have except they wouldn't fit in my carry-on bag. :)

    I do think they look better though, maybe just because they are different.
  • jnowskijnowski Member Posts: 96
    I know that I'm a little late on this subject but.... I seem to remember that the original VW "Bug" had the battery mounted under the rear seat on the right (passenger) side. I also don't recall there being any problems related to this location (which would be similar to a trunk mount location).
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Surely Brian can get a source on these. After all, they are probably made and installed on the car here in the good ol' USA.
  • airwolf1000airwolf1000 Member Posts: 225
    Sorry about the mention of ITH but had to do it. I knew there was some rolling on the floor between thomas and bri! Lucky for everyone it is on the internet and safe! J/K guys...

    EZAIRCON I would agree I see the LS rear more like an A-Arm setup. They are independent and both sides would have to take a substantial hit to make them release. That is why I thought the tranny right away, and the diff might have had something to do. Purely speculation on my part. My friend know a bit about cars so I don't think he would be messing it up. Here we go again with my friends and their trustworthiness again. Here though I am not placing any bets maybe he confused it for a mitsubishi? I hate to say that but maybe, I doubt it though. He was coming over in the afternoon around 2:30 on a beautiful sunny day headed over to the Lake to ride the jetski with a couple of GFs'.
    Regards,
    Airwolf1000
  • goodyrlgoodyrl Member Posts: 83
    Window failed, heated seat light wiring screwed up (again) in middle of summer, pillars lost lustre again. Got the loaner again LOL
    Great ride but these problems are annoying.
  • thomas_lthomas_l Member Posts: 134
    If the halfshaft were hanging out, the likely causes would include a catastrophic CV joint failure, a ball joint failure (allowing the hub to swing out overextending & separating the tripod joint), or a drive flange on the inner end breaking.
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    Older (pre '97ish) BMW's have battery under right rear seat also. I don't know about the new ones.
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    Has the Miata been mentioned? Battery in the trunk since 1989, and certainly less protected than the LS. The 'acid' in the Miata battery is a gel, rather than liquid.
  • mike43ncmike43nc Member Posts: 13
    When I was shopping 300Ms, noticed the battery is up front, but UNDER several components (air box, window washer reservoir, ...) looked like a non-trivial task to replace that battery. They did have a couple of extension cables to the top that could be used to jump-start.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Mike43nc, did you notice where they put the rack for the rack and pinion? It's under the windshield/wiper area from what I've heard! I guess there's no other place with the FWD.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    There was one problem with the old VW bug battery placement.(and I had several bugs) People would not perform maintenance on them. They were not sealed batteries and required adding water and maybe brushing the crud off the terminals. Out of sight, out of mind I guess.
  • thomas_lthomas_l Member Posts: 134
    As long as I can remember, Chrysler FWD cars have had the steering racks mounted up high with the tie rod ends connecting at a higher point on the strut assembly.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I knew it was wierd. I imagine it costs more to fix that mess, also. I'm so glad to have RWD. The mechanics are too.
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    Pictures of the 2002 Lincoln LSE model that was announced today at the U.S. Open Tennis tournament are available to club members in the members area of the LLSOC website. In the members area home page scroll down to the member/LS news section and you can click on the page with the pictures. We got first pictures. Eat your heart out BON :)

    Brian
  • gkarggkarg Member Posts: 230
    Parts came in yesterday for LR & RR.

    Dropped off this morning (i don't get a loaner - EVER - Ford garage only!)

    Took pics of new parts - will try to take some of broken ones, too.

    They are still using plastic... a plastic pulley and the guide is plastic. With that thin, little wire cable - I can see how these break so often, so easily!
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I don't think the plastic is a bad choice for "pulleys", but that lower "pulley" doesn't turn - it's stationary, and I think the cable starts to "see-saw" it's groove eventually when the "K-Y" lube dissappears over time. Also, the 4 "fingers" on the back side of the black plastic
    trolley" that rides up and down the galavanized "rail" or "track" tend to break off and then the trolley goes off at an angle or can come off entirely. There's alot of force involved here, especially at the ends of the up and down operation - the "stops". I don't think the QC people had time to testit for a million operations or so. And I can't figure out what mechanism "pre-tensions" the cable.
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    I just checked out the photos of the new LSE package. Wow, what a difference a few body panel changes make. I'd be tempted to look into changing the front facia (w/ round fog lamps), rear valence and rocker panels . . . pretty sharp. BTW Brian, nice job on beating BON with the scoop!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I like it! But shouldn't the spoiler be body color? Or did they just not have time to paint it yet?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    So what does the LSE come with? An upgraded engine? Different transmission? Or is it just cosmetic changes? Add a spoiler, some cladding, and different color? Or maybe vinyl top, wire wheels, whitewall tires? Sounds like it is all about changing looks without adding any performance. Thought the LS was supposed to be "above" that. How much does it cost?
  • thomas_lthomas_l Member Posts: 134
    Actually it's not much different. The ones mounted high go in/out thru the wheel opening vs wiggling around the front sub frame. They all have hard to reach hyd fittings and mount bolts. The most common ones that I recall doing were Taurus/Sable/Continentals which were hard on racks and inner tie rod ends.
  • mike43ncmike43nc Member Posts: 13
    I think it makes an attractive package for such subtle mods. Especially the "blade grey" wheels, which I guess will not show the dreaded brake dust nearly as much as chrome. I do think I would keep my black rocker panels, as that's where all the rocks and tar go.
  • fantomfantom Member Posts: 211
    The 2002 LSE doesn't do much for me but I've gotta get a set of those stainless steel exhaust tips. I'll cut out the black rear valance to match.

    Now hook them up to a Borla and we are really talking. BTW, the Borla site exhaust on a 2000 LS are straight out stainless tips, cut through the rear valance. What's with that?

    Is it just me or is that rat stench getting stronger?
  • wkamwkam Member Posts: 14
    I guess the LSE might be built by these guys http://www.aapd.net/lincoln/default.asp


    Prices for the kit are shown. I have already asked them if it is possible to get the rocker panels and rear fascia from them separately but they said that they prefer to keep the kits intact.


    Wes

  • goodyrlgoodyrl Member Posts: 83
    They replaced all 4 of them for the third time. Is there anything that will keep them from dis-coloring ?
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    Yes, the LSE is a cosmetic package; no mechanical changes. And so what? BMW has an extensive catalog of cosmetic accessories for its cars; factory-supplied wheels, spoilers, and aero kits are available from Bimmer dealers, and I don't hear anyone disparaging them for it.

    For someone who claims to be interested in the LS, you certainly seem to spend an inordinate amount of time and effort trashing it and the company that builds it.

    I doubt I'd buy an LSE unless a significant performance increase was included, but I certainly wouldn't quarrel with anyone who chooses to purchase one--it's a nice-looking package. Jeez; if you don't like it, don't buy it.
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    Had my red 5speed at the dealer Tues. Part came in they had ordered 2 or 3 weeks ago. I'm glad it wasn't anything serious - like a fallen window or a lost axle.

    In my case, the 5speed shifter boot was squeaking where it attaches to the center console. However it is attached, it had come a bit loose.

    They fixed it all right, but strange thing is - it took *a day and a half*. From what little I could get out of the service writer, they practically had to drop the tranny to do the job. I'm curious as to what they really had to do - does anyone have access to the LS shop manual?

    As for loaner car - I got one. I arranged for the loaner when I called for the appt. Even though the job was schedued to be done same day, they had no problem giving me a loaner. What I didn't know was I needed to *stress* that my car is a Lincoln, then I would get one of the 'good' loaners, lucky me. (This is a Ford - Lincoln/Mercury dealership). So the loaner I got was a Focus sedan. Tell the truth, that's a sweet little car. Handles *very* well. Had a slushbox but was peppy enuf that if it had a manual, it would've been a blast to drive I think.

    Oh, and as for riez, it seems to me that his posts belie a feigned interest in the LS. Perhaps the cream ale treatment is in order?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Town Hall is about helping folks choose a vehicle as well as facilitating helpful discussions amongst those of us who have already made a choice. It is entirely possible that some folks are interested in the a particular vehicle, yet - for whatever reason - have strong doubts they are trying to resolve. If you don't believe those kinds of posts and suspect a "troll", then very simply, just don't respond.

    What I am asking of you is on the order of "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

    I am not speaking of anyone in particular, but if a troll is really present, the lack of a response is what makes the troll go away. Continued reaction to the troll, if the person is a troll, is what encourages continued posts by that person. OTOH, if the person really is not a troll, lack of response will usually make the person realize they are not wording their posts in a way to get the genuine feedback that they seek.

    I know that you all know that. This is just a friendly reminder.

    And again - I am speaking in general terms; I am not accusing anyone of being a troll here. We've had some recent issues that possibly would never have occurred if members who were annoyed by certain posts would have just ignored them, rather than encouraging them to continue by responding.

    If anyone wants to talk further about this, please address me off-line. This is not an appropriate subject to pursue here within the discussion.

    So back to the topic, please.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Big reason I watch this board is to learn about the "secret" changes for the '03 LS, primarily V-6. People who post here and on some related boards mention the '03 changes as being quite dramatic. So maybe I'm a bit bummed and hard on Lincoln about the LSE to see that the only actual changes so far are merely cosmetic or are options like cell phones. BMW can get away with whatever they do similarly because they also have the M3, M5, 540i 6-speed, etc. They have "earned" the right, I guess, to do that. I don't think there is anything purely cosmetic about the M3 or M5. What is the point of having purely cosmetic changes when you don't have the vehicular firepower in your basic platform to warrant aggressive cosmetic modifications? My apologies to the LSE. Guess I've seen too many mid-70s Mustang II Cobra cosmetic atrocities to have any real taste for purely cosmetic mods. I give Acura credit for their 3.2TL Type S. You can't hardly tell she is a screamer. Why shout something that isn't, if you can quietly carry the big stick? You may think I don't like the LS, but you would be wrong. I keep hoping the '03 changes really will keep the LS competitive. If so, maybe I'll borrow $30,000 to buy one.

    Someone mentioned the size of the G35. Seems like an appropriate size for the class and market. 112 inch wheelbase is long, much longer than 3 Series and longer than A6, 5 Series, GS430, and MB E Class. 112 is just a smidge shorter than the LS' and CTS'. And the overall length of 184 inches doesn't seem inappropriate. Who needs front and rear overhangs if you have the right engine/transmission combo (270/280 hp V-6 and 6-speed manual), good interior room, and decent trunk space? Unnecessary length merely adds bulk and weight. 540i is only 188 inches. GS430 & MB E430 only 189 inches. If anything, the LS might be a bit too long and too heavy. Cadillac put the Catera on a 300 pound diet for the 190 inch long CTS.

    Wasn't there even a Mustang II King Cobra? Huge coiled snake on hood? Could swear I saw one in nice shape for sale recently.
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    I could swear that monster decal on the hood added at least 15hp to the, what, 112hp?

    riez: Understand the disappointment with it just being a cosmetic package. Would have been nice to at least have a more sporting exhaust tone to go with it, but that is not to be. I guess it's relatively cheap to add cosmetic doodads versus performance stuff :(

    Brian
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    How about this... Since this board appears to be dominated by a few "fanatics" (your word not mine, see recent previous post) who don't like out-of-towners asking questions, pointing out issues with the LS, or commenting favorably on the competition, and who won't tolerate anyone who isn't a devout Ford/Lincoln LS lover, and since I'm here to learn about the '03 changes, if whomever is in the "know" here will just answer a couple simple questions, I might go away and you can go back to sitting around the campfire like in the classic scene from Mel Brook's Blazing Saddles:

    Will the '03 V-6 have (a) more than 260 hp, (b) a 6-speed manual option, or (c) lose more than 250 pounds? If the truthful answers are NO, NO, and NO, then I PROMISE I won't bother you again. I'll be buying something else in '03. But if at least 2 are YES, then I'll keep reading to learn what and when.

    Deal?
  • noshonosho Member Posts: 119
    The one person who can answer this "can't" because of an NDA. But reading the board for several months gives reasonable clues:
    V6 - 3.3L, 250hp, 230ft-lbs
    Manual - unlikely
    6-speed - dream
    Less weight? The 530i is 3500lbs whereas the LS-V6 (larger car) is 3600lbs.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    This discussion is most certainly not restricted to "fanatics" by any means - everyone is welcome to post their questions, discuss issues, whatever.

    As always, EVERYone must remember that we have all agreed to discuss issues respectfully and civilly. And as I mentioned just a bit ago, if any of us cannot respond to a post within those terms, then we should just be quiet.

    With all of that said, there is certainly nothing to be gained by asking questions in a confrontational manner. Either you'd like information or you wouldn't. If you want the information, then ask nicely. If you don't want the information, then why are you here?

    Folks who walk up to others they have just met at, say, a cocktail party and open the conversation with a confrontational statement are not usually received with welcoming sorts of conversation.

    Being relatively anonymous on-line does not relieve any of us of our social obligations and etiquette issues.

    Be polite and you might receive some polite responses as well as the information you seek.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    Lincoln LSE - http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_027413

    also Lincoln LS Sport - http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_026803 and

    http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_026804 and if your interested the Jaguar S type

    http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_027384 and http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_027365 -

    http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_027361
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    Do you wax them with the rest of the car? That's all I've ever done and they look fine. Garaged at night, but out in the sun most of the day. My only problem with them is how clearly fingerprints show up on them.

    riez, everyone's opinion is valid here, so how about going out and driving some cars, come back and tell us what you think, instead of what you've read? You mentioned a magazine's opinion of the LS's rear seat; why not go sit in one?
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